Fitted bedsheet with integral waterproof layer

ABSTRACT

The disclosed device is a fitted sheet, or what is commonly known as a bottom sheet, with a permanently-affixed and integral absorbent and waterproof layer that is used to cover a mattress. The result is a fitted sheet that, when wet, can be quickly and easily replaced as a single part.

FIELD

This invention relates to the field of bedding and more particularly to a fitted bedsheet with an integral waterproof layer.

BACKGROUND

As a child ages, she reaches the point where bowel and bladder control becomes voluntary. At this point the child can begin potty-training, or training to use a toilet rather than diapers.

This period of transition between diapers and use of the toilet is separated into daytime and nighttime training. Training a child to use a toilet during the day is the first step. Training a child to awaken from sleep in time to use a toilet is the second, more difficult step.

As a result of the greater difficulty associated with bladder control during the night, a child will often wet her bed well after she no longer needs diapers during the day.

The issue of bladder control is not for children alone. Adults also lose bladder control as a result of surgical procedures or as a result of the ageing process.

During the period of night training, or for adults experiencing incontinence, it is important to protect the mattress to prevent damage and an accumulation of odor.

What is needed is a fitted sheet with an integral absorbent pad to draw the urine away from the child's body during sleep, while protecting the mattress beneath.

SUMMARY

The disclosed device is a fitted sheet, or what is commonly known as a bottom sheet, with a permanently-affixed and integral absorbent and waterproof layer. The result is a fitted sheet that, when wet, can be quickly and easily replaced as a single part.

The disclosed device includes the following layers:

An outer cotton layer—this layer is constructed from cotton or similar materials. The outer cotton layer is shaped to enclose a mattress on the top, sides, and a portion of the bottom. The outer cotton layer comes into contact with the child's skin, and thus is key to a child's healthy skin. The disclosed device uses untreated cotton, without chemical or waterproofing treatments, to prevent any irritation.

The outer cotton layer optionally includes elastic banding along the bottom to ensure a snug fit over a mattress. The elastic banding may be continuous or discontinuous, depending on the desired elasticity of the outer cotton layer and mattress size.

A waterproof liner is affixed to the outer cotton layer. The waterproof liner is positioned such that, during use, it is between the mattress and outer cotton layer.

The waterproof liner is formed of absorbent materials bonded to a waterproof barrier to form a composite material. Such acceptable composite materials include double-sided rubberized cotton flannel. Double-sided rubberized cotton flannel is formed from a central sheet of waterproof rubber or plastic, with a cotton flannel layer on both the top and the bottom.

Turning to the device generally, the waterproof liner is sized to be smaller than the outer cotton layer, with sizing of the waterproof liner to match the dimensions of the top of the mattress.

In the preferred embodiment the waterproof liner and outer cotton layer are sewn to each other using two straight seams.

Permanent attachment of the waterproof liner to the outer cotton layer provides numerous advantages over separate items. The resulting device is:

-   -   Low-bulk—no padding is needed, unlike a waterproof mattress pad,         which often includes additional padding;     -   Single-step installation and removal—the process of removing the         wet sheets and replacing with dry sheets is expedited by         requiring only a single item to be removed and replaced;     -   Consistent coverage—the waterproof layer is held in place by the         outer cotton layer, preventing the waterproof layer from         shifting away from full coverage of the top of the mattress;     -   Curl and wrinkle prevention—the waterproof layer cannot wrinkle         or curl with respect to the outer cotton layer because the         layers are affixed. This prevents bumps from forming under the         outer cotton layer, which would be uncomfortable for the child.

The combination of these features results in a waterproof bedsheet that has benefits beyond the mere combination of its elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention can be best understood by those having ordinary skill in the art by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of a first embodiment, showing the layers of the device.

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment, showing how the device wraps around a mattress, while the waterproof pad portion is limited to the top of the mattress.

FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom view of the first embodiment, showing the elastic banding along the bottom of the mattress.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Throughout the following detailed description, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements in all figures.

Referring to FIG. 1, an isometric view of a first embodiment, with its multiple layers, is shown.

The fitted bedsheet with integral waterproof layer 1 is shown protecting a mattress 50. The layering is shown by a cut-away, used for purpose of explanation.

The absorbent waterproof layer 10 is formed from three or more layers. The preferred embodiment includes a lower layer 12, bonded to a rubber membrane 14, which is in turn bonded to an upper layer 16.

Covering, and holding the absorbent waterproof layer 10 in place is the outer sheet 20. The outer sheet 20 may be constructed from as few as one piece of material, or from multiple pieces of material. The resulting outer sheet 20, whether made from a single piece of material or multiple pieces, will include an outer sheet top 22, one or more outer sheet sides 24, and an outer sheet bottom 26 (not shown).

In some embodiments the outer sheet top 22 is joined to the outer sheet side 24 by an upper seam 30. In some embodiments the outer sheet side 24 is jointed to the outer sheet bottom 26 by a lower seam 32. Finally, the outer sheet sides 24 may be joined together by one or more side seams 34.

The outer sheet 20 is then joined to the absorbent waterproof layer 10 by a perimeter seam 40. The perimeter seam 40 is formed by one or more straight-stitched seams that follow the edge of the absorbent waterproof layer 10.

Referring to FIG. 2, a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment is shown, including the manner in which the device wraps around a mattress, while limiting the waterproof pad portion to the top of the mattress.

The fitted bedsheet with integral waterproof layer 1 is shown around a mattress 50. The figure shows that the absorbent waterproof layer 10 covers only the top of the mattress 50, not wrapping around the sides of the mattress 50.

Referring to FIG. 3, a bottom view of the first embodiment is shown, including the elastic banding along the bottom of the mattress.

The bottom of the mattress 50 is shown partially covered by outer sheet bottom 26, which is partially border by elastic trim 28. The elastic trim 28 allows the fitted bedsheet with integral waterproof layer 1 to be easily applied to the mattress 50, the elastic then tightening around the mattress 50 to hold the device in place.

Equivalent elements can be substituted for the ones set forth above such that they perform in substantially the same manner in substantially the same way for achieving substantially the same result.

It is believed that the system and method as described and many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the foregoing description. It is also believed that it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the components thereof without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention or without sacrificing all of its material advantages. The form herein before described being merely exemplary and explanatory embodiment thereof. It is the intention of the following claims to encompass and include such changes. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A waterproof fitted sheet to protect the top of a mattress, the waterproof fitted sheet comprising: a. a bedsheet made up of the following layers: i. an upper cotton sheet including:
 1. a top layer;
 2. one or more side layers; and
 3. a bottom layer; ii. a permanently affixed waterproof layer including:
 1. an upper cotton layer;
 2. a waterproof material layer bonded to the upper cotton layer;
 3. a lower cotton layer bonded to the waterproof layer; iii. the permanently affixed waterproof layer sized to cover only the top of the mattress; iv. the top layer of the upper cotton sheet sewn to the permanently affixed waterproof layer; v. whereby during use the permanently affixed waterproof layer is hidden by the upper cotton sheet.
 2. The waterproof fitted sheet of claim 1, whereby: a. liquids that are spilled on the top layer are absorbed by the upper cotton layer of the permanently affixed waterproof layer, b. the liquids move through the upper cotton layer toward the waterproof material layer, and c. the liquids do not move past the waterproof material layer leaving the upper cotton sheet and the mattress protected from the liquids.
 3. The waterproof fitted sheet of claim 1, further comprising: a. elastic banding along a perimeter of the bottom layer of the upper cotton sheet; b. whereby the elastic banding helps maintain the position of the waterproof fitted sheet with respect to the mattress.
 4. The waterproof fitted sheet of claim 1, whereby the upper cotton layer absorbs liquid away from the upper cotton sheet by pulling liquid toward the waterproof material layer, the waterproof material layer then preventing liquids from reaching the mattress.
 5. The waterproof fitted sheet of claim 1, wherein the waterproof material layer is rubber.
 6. The waterproof fitted sheet of claim 1, wherein the waterproof material layer is plastic.
 7. A device with a permanently bonded layer that protects a mattress from a child's urine, the device comprising: a. a fitted sheet including: i. a top layer; and ii. a side layer; b. an integral absorbent and water-repelling layer; i. the integral absorbent and water-repelling layer permanently affixed beneath the top layer of the fitted sheet; ii. the integral absorbent and water-repelling layer constructed from two layers of cotton-flannel material bonded to cover a top and a bottom of the water-repelling layer.
 8. The device of claim 7, whereby the cotton flannel absorbs liquid away from a bed sheet pulling liquid toward the water-repelling layer, the water-repelling layer then preventing liquids from reaching the mattress.
 9. The device of claim 7, wherein the water-repelling layer is rubber.
 10. The device of claim 7, wherein the water-repelling layer is plastic.
 11. The device of claim 7, further comprising: a. elastic banding along a perimeter of the bottom layer of the upper cotton sheet; b. whereby the elastic banding helps maintain the position of the waterproof fitted sheet with respect to the mattress.
 12. A mattress protecting device to insulate a mattress from spills, the device drawing liquid away from a child, the device consisting of the following layers: a. a first layer formed from cotton; b. a second layer formed from cotton flannel; c. a third layer formed from a water-proof material; d. a fourth layer formed from cotton flannel; e. the second, third, and fourth layers permanently bonded to one-another, then sewn to the first layer.
 13. The mattress protecting device of claim 12, whereby liquids spilled on the first layer are absorbed by the second layer and pulled toward the third layer leaving the first layer dry, the third layer then preventing liquid from reaching the mattress.
 14. The mattress protecting device of claim 12, whereby the cotton flannel absorbs liquid away from a bed sheet pulling liquid toward the water-proof layer, the water-proof layer then preventing liquids from reaching the mattress.
 15. The mattress protecting device of claim 12, wherein the water-proof layer is rubber.
 16. The mattress protecting device of claim 12, wherein the water-proof layer is plastic. 